Dog Heartworm Prevention

Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted through mosquito
bites. The infection with the parasite will show no early signs, and
when detected it can be too late. Consequently, heartworm prevention is essential.

Heartworm Transmission and Development

Heartworms are roundworm parasites that can be contracted by
mammals. The carriers of the parasites in the larvae stage are
mosquitoes that have bitten an infected animal. The larvae will stay
under the skin of the host for 1 week, after which, they will travel to
the host's muscles, chest and stomach area. After 2 to 4 months, the
larvae will enter the blood flow and travel towards the heart and
pulmonary artery, where they reach adulthood about 7 to 10 months after
the bite. The parasites can lodge in a host for 7 to 8 years. The
parasites will live in the pulmonary artery of a dog and will damage
the vessels of the lungs and the heart.

Why Choose Heartworm Prevention

The prevention of heartworms is important, as the infection can be
fatal. An infected canine can have the parasite without showing any
symptoms for up to 1 year. When the symptoms finally occur, the damage
may be irreparable.

The prevention can be pricey, as prevention medication should be
administered on a regular basis. However, the treatment of heartworms
is even more expensive and can be very painful. In some cases, the
treatment may not be efficient, as the parasites have already done a
lot of damage in the dog's system.

Heartworm Prevention Options

Before starting any prevention treatment, the dog must be tested to
establish if he is not already infected with the parasite. The test
requires a blood sample and the results will show on the same day.

Heartworms may be prevented employing different methods. The most
frequently used is a tablet that is taken orally, once per month.
Ivermectin and Heartgard are the most common heartworm preventive drugs
for dogs.

The most suitable age to start the prevention plan has not yet been
clearly established, but the dog can start taking the drugs when he is
between 6 and 12 months old. Talk about it with your vet and he will
recommend a suitable time to start the prevention medication.

Some vets will establish a treatment plan that indicates taking
medication only during the warmer months when there may be mosquitoes
present. This depends on the region you live in. If you live in a warm
climate, the prevention medication should be taken on a monthly basis.

Additional Heartworm Preventive Measures

As heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, you can take some
additional measures to eliminate mosquitoes. Use an efficient mosquito
repellent and try to eliminate the mosquitoes from your home by using
mosquito nets on windows. Get rid of mosquitoes from the pool or water
buckets, as standing water attracts mosquitoes.

Even if the cost of the medication can be high, you should not risk
your dog being infected by heartworms, especially if you live in an
area where mosquitoes are common.